An engineer from Tesla has testified that the company failed to maintain crash records for its Autopilot Advanced Driver Assistance System. This revelation came to light during a trial involving a fatal accident in 2019, where a Tesla Model S on Autopilot struck and killed a bystander in Key Largo, Florida.
Background of the Accident
The accident occurred when the Tesla Model S, driven by George McGee, blew past a stop sign at an intersection and crashed into a parked SUV. McGee had been using the Autopilot feature and was distracted, looking down to pick up his dropped phone. The crash resulted in the death of 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon.
Testimony and Lawsuit
The engineer, Akshay Pathak, testified that Tesla did not keep records of crashes involving the Autopilot feature until 2018, over three years after the feature was launched. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that Tesla misrepresented the capabilities and safety of the Autopilot feature. The court has allowed the lawsuit to proceed, with the plaintiffs seeking punitive damages from Tesla.
Implications and Ongoing Scrutiny
This news comes as Tesla faces increased scrutiny over its self-driving systems. The company has recently faced a wrongful death lawsuit over a 2024 crash in New Jersey involving a Model S on self-driving mode, which resulted in the deaths of three people. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating possible traffic violations committed by the Tesla Model Y Robotaxi on FSD during its launch event in Austin.
Other Incidents and Investigations
Tesla has also faced incidents involving its self-driving systems, including a Tesla Model 3 getting struck by a train after being stuck on railroad tracks while in self-driving mode. The NHTSA is investigating these incidents, and Tesla may face stricter oversight as a result.
Conclusion
The lack of crash records for Tesla’s Autopilot feature has raised concerns about the company’s transparency and accountability. As the investigation and lawsuit continue, Tesla’s self-driving systems will remain under scrutiny. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for the company and the development of autonomous driving technology.